#Obesity

A landmark international study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is turning conventional wisdom about obesity on its head, revealing that a sedentary lifestyle in wealthy nations may not be the main culprit behind soaring obesity rates. Instead, the research finds that diets high in ultra-processed foods are the leading driver of the modern obesity epidemic, with important lessons for the Thai population and global public health campaigns alike (Washington Post).

A groundbreaking international study has shattered a long-held tenet of public health: that simply eating fewer calories and exercising more is the surest route to weight control. Instead, the research points to ultra-processed foods (UPFs) — industrial formulations containing five or more ingredients — as powerful, independent drivers of the global obesity epidemic, casting doubt on the decades-old mantra of ‘calories in, calories out’ as the full story behind weight gain. The findings, published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and widely reported in reputable outlets such as the Washington Post, are sparking urgent debates among health experts and raising vital questions for Thailand’s food culture and public health strategy [Washington Post][PNAS article summary].

A new spotlight on how our meal frequency affects health has ignited debate among nutritionists and the public, following recently published research and expert commentary. The question—does eating more than three meals a day nurture or hinder our well-being?—is especially pertinent in Thailand, where traditional eating habits sometimes differ from Western norms.

Nutrition researchers and physicians have been exploring whether consuming more than three meals a day—sometimes in the form of frequent, small meals or “grazing”—delivers true health benefits or unintentionally undermines metabolic, digestive, or weight outcomes. The issue is complex, and the implications for Thai society—where bustling street food culture often promotes frequent snacking—are profound.

A groundbreaking international study has toppled one of the most persistent beliefs about obesity: the idea that sedentary lifestyles in wealthy countries are chiefly to blame for the global epidemic of excess weight. Instead, new research published this week in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) points squarely at what we eat—particularly the prevalence of ultra-processed foods—as the dominant cause of rising obesity rates around the world (Washington Post).

A major international study is upending deeply held beliefs about obesity, concluding that excess calorie consumption—not a lack of physical activity—is the primary cause of the obesity epidemic in the United States and other developed nations. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) this week, suggest that decades of public health campaigns blaming sedentary behavior for rising obesity rates may be missing the real culprit: modern diets.

A sweeping international study published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) is challenging one of the most entrenched beliefs about obesity: that sedentary lifestyles in wealthy nations are the main culprit behind rising rates of overweight and obesity. Instead, the study points a much sharper spotlight at diet—specifically, the prevalence of ultra-processed foods—as the major driver of the global obesity crisis. As Thailand and other middle-income nations grapple with rising rates of obesity, these findings hold urgent implications for public health policies, education campaigns, and everyday choices at the dining table.

A groundbreaking new study suggests a powerful interaction between low sexual activity, abdominal fat, and depressive symptoms could sharply raise the risk of early death—a finding with practical implications for health screening and preventive care worldwide, including Thailand. Published in the Journal of Affective Disorders, the study traced nearly 5,000 adults in the United States over 15 years. Researchers found that adults who reported sexual activity fewer than 12 times per year and who also had extra abdominal fat or scored high for depression faced significantly higher mortality. Most concerning, when both risk factors—wide waistlines and depressed mood—were present alongside low sexual activity, the chance of dying was almost quadrupled compared to those with neither risk factor (PsyPost).

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that exercise alone may do far less for weight loss than once believed. Recent studies, as discussed in Psychology Today, confirm that while physical activity confers significant health benefits, its direct effect on body mass index (BMI) is minimal—especially compared to dietary changes. For many Thais striving to lose weight, this revelation upends traditional advice and encourages a fresh, evidence-based approach to managing obesity and related health concerns.

A new wave of scientific studies has challenged the widespread belief that regular exercise is the primary driver for weight loss, particularly with respect to reducing Body Mass Index (BMI). According to recent research summarized by Psychology Today, while exercise brings numerous health benefits, its direct impact on BMI is far less substantial than most people—and many fitness advertisements—would suggest psychologytoday.com.

For many Thais and others worldwide striving to manage weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle, the findings are significant. They counter the commonly held view that hours spent in the gym or jogging local parks will necessarily translate into notable weight loss. This misconception has often guided public health campaigns and individual choices, sometimes at the expense of more effective methods.

A recent review by US-based registered dietitians places spinach at the forefront of dietary strategies to reduce visceral fat, the deep belly fat that increases risk for diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers (EatingWell). This finding offers practical guidance for Thai readers invested in combating chronic diseases closely tied to rising obesity rates. The review echoes growing global evidence that a combination of healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes can help tackle a silent health risk affecting millions across Southeast Asia—including Thailand.

Emerging research findings, highlighted during World Infertility Awareness Month and recently reported by ABC News, have thrust male infertility into the public spotlight, identifying five modifiable lifestyle factors that could be quietly undermining men’s reproductive health. As families across Thailand increasingly seek answers to fertility challenges, these latest insights carry crucial implications both for personal wellness and for future generations.

Although infertility discussions often focus on women, specialists estimate that male factors significantly contribute to around a third of all cases worldwide (ABC News). “When we think about fertility, there’s a lot of focus placed on females,” noted an ABC medical contributor. “But male issues can include problems with sperm volume or quality, congenital obstructions, infections, and various underlying medical conditions.” With nearly 186 million people globally affected by infertility—half of whom face male-related issues—the urgency of understanding male-specific risks has never been greater (Tesarik, 2025; Amoah et al., 2025; WHO 2025).

A groundbreaking study published on June 26, 2025 in the Annals of Family Medicine has revealed that body fat percentage (BF%) is a significantly better predictor of both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality than the widely used body mass index (BMI), particularly in adults aged 20 to 49. This major shift in understanding could have profound implications for how Thai clinicians and public health officials assess obesity and related health risks across the country.

Nearly a third of American adults eat fast food on any given day, but new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals their overall reliance on fast food is gradually decreasing. According to the report, “Fast-Food Consumption Among Adults and Children in the United States, 2021–2023,” just over 30% of U.S. adults aged 20 and above indulge in fast food daily, with 1 in 5 Americans getting at least a quarter of their daily calories from these meals. The data, which comes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted from August 2021 to August 2023, also points to shifting patterns among youth, suggesting evolving attitudes towards convenience food in American society (Deseret News).

A new global analysis suggests alternate-day fasting may offer slightly greater benefits for weight and cholesterol management than intermittent fasting, according to evidence from nearly 100 clinical trials. As interest in dietary strategies grows in Thailand, especially amidst rising rates of metabolic syndrome and obesity, this research highlights fresh possibilities—and caveats—for Thai readers considering alternative nutritional approaches.

With 2.5 billion adults worldwide classed as overweight and more than 890 million living with obesity according to the World Health Organization (who.int), weight management is an increasingly urgent public health issue. Thailand is not exempt, with national surveys showing the prevalence of overweight and obesity rising steadily in recent years (healthdata.org). These trends are tightly linked to escalating rates of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, deeply affecting Thai families and healthcare systems alike.

A series of recent studies has reignited the debate over whether drinking diet soda could be more effective than water in helping some people shed extra kilos, with researchers and nutritionists weighing in on the controversial claim. The renewed interest comes after social media buzz and resurfaced research suggesting that people drinking artificially sweetened beverages daily—rather than water—lost significantly more weight over the course of a year. The findings, however, have sparked both optimism and concern among health experts, with implications that extend to Thailand’s growing public health challenges associated with obesity and metabolic disease.

A new wave of nutrition science is challenging the once simple narrative that regular soda is always worse than its diet counterpart, sparking debate among Thai health experts and policymakers alike. Recent research reveals that, in many cases, diet soda may actually offer a safer alternative—provided it is consumed in moderation and within the context of a balanced Thai diet. As Thailand battles rising obesity and sugar-related illnesses, the implications of these findings are more relevant than ever before.

A groundbreaking new study has put olive oil—the so-called “liquid gold” prized in cuisines from Mediterranean to modern Thai kitchens—under the spotlight for its potential effects on body fat. The research, published in the prestigious journal Cell Reports and widely covered by the media (NY Post), suggests that high levels of oleic acid, the primary monounsaturated fat in olive oil, can trigger a rapid rise in the number of “fat cell soldiers” in the body. While olive oil has long been lauded for its heart-healthy and antioxidant-rich profile, this new evidence suggests its impact on obesity and metabolic health may be more complex than previously thought.

A fresh wave of research is shaking up the fitness world with an answer to the age-old gym debate: should you do cardio before or after lifting weights? According to a new study reported by The Conversation and published on June 9, 2025, performing strength training before cardiovascular exercise leads to greater fat loss, improved muscle performance, and more daily physical activity than reversing the sequence (theconversation.com).

In Thailand, where urban lifestyles and wellness trends increasingly intertwine, this scientifically-backed advice could reshape routines for everyone from gym-goers to those seeking healthier lifestyles. The study’s findings are especially timely, as obesity and non-communicable diseases remain national challenges despite government campaigns to increase physical activity. For Thai readers—from students in Bangkok’s bustling neighborhoods to retirees prioritizing health in Chiang Mai—the research offers practical insight into maximizing each workout.

A new wave of research has sounded the alarm on a widespread but often overlooked health threat: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a “silent disease” that afflicts about 16 million Americans—most of whom don’t know it. Recent studies published in major medical journals, including The Lancet and findings summarized by the Daily Mail, reveal that a staggering 80% of those living with this deadly form of fatty liver disease remain undiagnosed, raising urgent concerns for public health systems, including here in Thailand (source, Wikipedia, Asia-Pacific Trends PDF).

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that millions of people in Western countries are unknowingly living with an aggressive form of fatty liver disease, raising the alarm about an epidemic that could soon overwhelm health systems globally. The findings, published in a major international journal and covered by The Guardian, suggest that a silent but rapidly growing number of individuals are at risk of severe liver damage, much of which is preventable with early intervention.

A groundbreaking study published by researchers from Fujita Health University has found that pizza is eaten significantly faster than traditional chopstick-based bento meals—a discovery with major implications for how eating habits may contribute to obesity and metabolic health. This research highlights that the structure of the meal and utensils used matter more in determining eating speed than previously emphasized tactics such as changing the order in which foods are consumed.

Regular exercise can prevent a steep winter decline in vitamin D levels, offering an alternative to supplements, according to a new study led by researchers from the University of Bath, University of Cambridge, and University of Birmingham. The findings, relevant for both global audiences and Thailand, provide practical advice for maintaining musculoskeletal and immune health during months with limited sunlight, when the risk of vitamin D deficiency sharply increases (BBC).

A new study published this week has dramatically shifted the landscape of diabetes research, revealing that hyperactivity within a specific set of neurons in the brain—AgRP neurons in the hypothalamus—may drive type 2 diabetes, regardless of weight or obesity. Scientists from the University of Washington demonstrated that by silencing these neurons in mice, blood sugar levels normalized for months, even as the animals’ weight and food intake remained unchanged—a finding that upends decades of established beliefs about diabetes origins and opens compelling new treatment avenues (Neuroscience News).

As worries mount over rising health risks linked to excess sugar, new research and dietary guidelines have spotlighted seven key red flags that may signal overconsumption of sugar. With Thailand’s daily sugar intake averaging far above recommended levels, recognising these warning signs could be critical to tackling a growing public health threat.

Experts indicate that the average Thai consumes about 23 teaspoons of sugar daily—almost four times the maximum recommended by health authorities (Bangkok Post). This stands in stark contrast to the American Heart Association’s recommended limit—no more than 9 teaspoons (36 grams) per day for men and 6 teaspoons (25 grams) for women. The main culprits are often sweetened beverages, desserts, and even processed foods that don’t taste overtly sweet but are laced with added sugars.